Leeds V Southend - Preview

By Rich Baggott
October 26 2006

Newly installed manager, Dennis Wise has a tough challenge on his hands for the first match of his new regime. Leeds play host to Southend for the second time in 5 days in a duplicate of the League cup clash on Tuesday that Southend won comfortably 3-1

Wise hasn't had a positive view of the team since being confirmed as manager on Tuesday - his first duty was to witness his new team being dumped out of the League cup by Southend, by coincidence the first team he will face as manager in the league fixture on Saturday. His next duty, to watch a reserve game to view the rest of the squad in a 'behind closed doors' game at Thorpe Arch - Sunderland strode out as 3-0 victors!

Wise will only have three days before the match to have an impact and it is unknown how much influence he will be able to impose on the attitude or confidence of the players in that time. In addition, he may prefer to 'fix' the existing squad, rather than going for wholesome changes that many of the fans are demanding. At this stage, with little coming out of Elland Road, it is little more than guess work as to what the starting eleven will be.

The defence, guilty of leaking a ridiculous number of goals in recent games should see an over-haul. Captain Paul Butler is continuing to un-impress and left back, Stephen Crainey continues to disappoint. In addition, 'fans favourite' Matthew Killgallon has also suffered a loss of form and several individual errors has led to a number of goals.

Unfortunately the alternatives are not plentiful. Hayden Foxe could feature but remains something of an unknown and Sean Gregan, who has hardly featured this year may continue to occupy the stands with rumours of an additional 'fee based on Appearances' clause being trigged if he steps foot on the pitch! Gary Kelly was switched to left back to make way for Richardson on Tuesday night and that could continue.

The midfield is not looking healthy either. With Nicholls remaining injured, and Lewis and Derry still showing poor form, only Douglas has impressed with the amount of effort in recent matches. Derry is back though after being sidelined with a one-match ban on Tuesday. It remains a mystery to the fans why summer signing, Seb Carole still is not featuring after several exciting appearances under Blackwell and Westlake is looking lighter on the ball each match. Veteran Midfielder, Steve Stone has not featured of late and Ian Moore's move to midfield was none too effective.

Up front the problem continues - poor service aside, striker, David Healy has not found the form for Leeds that he enjoys on the international front. 4 goals in 12 starts, three of which were penalties means the striker has only managed 1 goal from open play since August. Horsfield hasn't featured since the 4-0 defeat to Stoke when he was taken off with a Hamstring injury. Ian Moore, whist praised for his effort in recent weeks is not finding the back of the net with ease and Cressell continues his slow recovery to full fitness that has seen him resigned to a handful of substitute appearance in recent weeks. Robbie Blake could be pushing Healy for a starting place.

Wise will also have the two loan players at his disposal - Alan Wright (Sheff Utd) and Adam Johnson (Middlesborough) as well as a handful of youngsters that are threatening to break into the team - Robert Bayly, Simon Madden and Johnathon Howson.

A fans choice at present would be:-

Warner

Kelly Foxe Killgallon Wright

Carole Westlake Derry Johnson

Cresswell Blake


...however the fans views and previous regimes don’t matter - it all depends on what Dennis Wise selects now!

Tickets are still on sale for the clash - contact Leeds Ticket Services on 0845 121 1992